"There are great athletes in the State of Idaho; however, basketball isn't the prominent sport of choice it is in other states. I feel that most of the athletes in this State focus on other sports because they feel there is more opportunity to advance to the collegiate level. These athletes and their parents feel that because they aren't 6'9" and can play "above the rim" that there is no opportunity for them! But that is a great misconception." Jeff Eakins (Founder IBA)

Basketball is changing. The game is returning to it's roots of fundamentals. No longer is the focus on individuality and high-flying slam dunks. The NBA and College recruiters are looking for those players who play fundamentally sound basketball. Bryan Gates (Head Coach of the Idaho Stampede and 2007 Coach of the Year NBADL) said, "There are those who like to play basketball and then there are basketball players. There is a difference. To play at a high level of basketball, you have to be a basketball player."

The Idaho Basketball Academy is dedicated to building "basketball players". To know the game inside and out. To realize the talents and strengths of teammates and maximize those talents on every possesion. To play fundamentally sound basketball. That is a "basketball player".

"A great example is that of other countries versus the United States in Olympic and World Championship competition over the past 10 years. Other countries have built strong traditions of fundamentally sound TEAM basketball. The United States could not compete with these teams even with the most athletic/best basketball players in the world. This is because when you play the game to create "highlights" and dazzling dunks, you play individual basketball. This means 5 against 1 and that will never win. A great lesson I have learned is that a lay-up is worth just as many points as a dunk!" Jeff Eakins

For this reason, Jeff Eakins and "Jumbo" Jim Eakins have established the Idaho Basketball Academy. Jim played 10 years professional basketball in the ABA/NBA winning two championships and playing 1 year in the All-Star game. Jim has many great teammates and contacts with the NBA which provides a unique opportunity for the players in the Idaho Basketball Academy to learn from and have exposure to those who have played at the highest level of basketball.

Jeff Eakins has grown up around basketball as Jim's son. He is currently an Assistant Coach with the Idaho Stampede of the NBA Development League. Jeff has established an vast network of coaches and players at all levels of basketball in order to bring a top quality curriculum and basketball teaching experience to the State of Idaho.

For more information you can contact Jeff Eakins at 208-794-3806 or jeff@idahobasketball.org